‘The most important person in our school is the pupil. The most important asset is the teacher ’.

1. ‘Colin, I need to speak to you some time about my own CPD - I’ve been so busy that I just haven’t had time to think about myself… ’. ‘The most important person in our school is the pupil. The most important asset is the teacher’.

2. CPD School Policy Document “DIS encourages its professional staff to participate in staff development opportunities…” “DIS recognises the right of all teachers to keep up-to-date…” “The school aims to instil in its students a love of learning and aims to ensure that they will become ‘lifelong learners’; with this in mind, school management will encourage all teachers to model this desired behaviour…” CPD Policy - revised, June 2012 • CPD at DIS

3. DIS Minimum CPD Commitments* • To attend 30 hours of CPD per year. • To visit two other teachers’ lessons (minimum) in one academic year; one teacher within their department and one from another department. • To attend and contribute to Teacher Learning Communities meetings (TLC). • If appropriate, to attend Middle Managers Learning Communities meetings (MLLT). • *CPD Policy Document • CPD at DIS

4. But what is CPD? “Continuing professional development (CPD) consists of reflective activity designed to develop an individual’s attributes, knowledge, understanding and skills. It supports individual needs and improves professional practice.” TDA, UK. • CPD at DIS • Many developmental opportunities exist in school – it’s a case • of appreciating that CPD can involve a wide range of activities. • It is not simply about “going on a course”…

6. DIS strategic plans • DIS’s professional development needs feature in the 3-year Strategic Plan and yearly Action Plan - including CPD focus on: • In-house voluntary CPD programme (led by teachers) • Middle Management CPD programme • Full first term induction plan for new teachers • Training support for Emirati teachers (Zayed University scheme) • Appraisal System support • More training for teachers in the use of oral and written feedback, critical thinking and independent learning (AfL) • Assessment data training (CEMS) • Database for staff CPD records • Logging of 30 hours of CPD and 2 lesson observations

7. School Improvement • CPD & school improvement In the most effective schools, CPD is firmly integrated with school improvement processes and is part of an annual cycle which links: School self-evaluation School improvement planning (annual / strategic) CPD is linked to whole-school, departmental and personal plans Developmental activities linked directly to classroom practice School appraisal system identifies specific CPD targets Teacher standards and expectations are clear to all Teachers take responsibility for their professional development SMT supports CPD…  …This is the case here at DIS under a Director who provides opportunities for staff development and who recognises the importance of targeted CPD.

8. Middle Manager Role So important ! … Developing the capabilities of your team members is clearly in the interests of all – how can we best work together on this? Other questions to ask yourself: What CPD practices or opportunities can you identify within your Dept? Do you promote the need for CPD practices as a means to developing the capabilities of your team? Do you have a developmental slot on the agenda of your team meetings? What sorts of thing? • HOD/Team Leader role

9. Our Key CPD Question: “Is your activity developing you professionally in any way?” If so, we log it on our bespoke DIS staff database:

10. CPD Proactive CPD for Database Logging“Is your activity developing you professionally in any way?” Observing effective practice Classroom or task observation – with peer discussion/review Discussions with colleagues to reflect on classroom practice Collaborative team activity, eg. planning, teaching, assessment Team teaching Participation in ‘Learning Walks’ Joining/leading internal working groups, eg. TLCs Attending/presenting at internal training workshops Coaching (both roles) – eg. Zayed University scheme Appraisal discussions Oh, and going on courses! “CPD is more than going on courses”

11. CPD Proactive CPD for Database Logging“Is your activity developing you professionally in any way?” Discussions with colleagues to reflect on classroom practice Collaborative team activity, eg. planning, teaching, assessment Classroom or task observation – with peer discussion/review Observing any effective practice Team teaching Joining internal working groups Presenting at internal training Attending internal training workshops Participation in Learning Walks Coaching (both roles) – eg. Zayed University scheme “CPD is more than going on courses”

12. CPD Proactive CPD for Database Logging“Is your activity developing you professionally in any way?” Appraisal/performance management discussions Use of data to inform teaching and learning (eg. CEMS) Self-research (eg. to further certification) Document preparation, eg. policies, bids Presenting to a meeting Professional learning communities/critical friendship groups Running a club Curriculum trips “CPD is more than going on courses”

13. CPD Proactive CPD for Database Logging“Is your activity developing you professionally in any way?” Curriculum trips Residential visits (curricular or extra curric) Higher level colleague shadowing Student shadowing Working with external bodies, eg. exams boards Visits to other establishments Job rotation Secondments / Placements / Sabbaticals Lectures and conferences Oh, and going on courses! “CPD is more than going on courses”

14. DIS Minimum CPD Commitments* • Bearing in mind the wider approach taken to CPD, the following now become more easily accessible to all teachers at DIS: • To attend 30 hours of CPD per year. • To visit two other teachers’ lessons (minimum) in one academic year; one teacher within their department and one from another department. • To attend and contribute to Teacher Learning Communities meetings (TLC). • If appropriate, to attend Middle Managers Learning Communities meetings (MLLT). • *CPD Policy Document • Individual teacher responsibility

15. Some basic questions for us all… • Do I engage in self-appraisal and critical evaluation of my work? • How much do I engage professionally with other members of staff? • How much do I reflect on my own CPD? • Am I bringing enough personal responsibility to my own CPD? • Individual teacher responsibility ‘Colin, I need to speak to you some time about my own CPD - I’ve been so busy that I just haven’t had time to think about myself… ’. ‘The most important person in our school is the pupil. The most important asset is the teacher’.

16. The Cycle of CPD Questions

17. In summary… All teachers are entitled to CPD and DIS encourages active participation. Professional development of the staff underpins school improvement. CPD incorporates a wide range of activities We can ALL benefit from reflecting on how we undertake our work This involves personal and professional responsibility. And, as CPD Manager, I’m here to help in any way I can !

18. Any questions or comments, please? Thank you